I don't like it when people try to talk to me while I'm reading, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good literary conversation. That’s why I love literary-inspired t-shirts—they’re a great way to discover book lovers who might be willing to talk. After all, how else are you going to find people to fill your book club? Personally, I'm a sucker for literary inside jokes...especially when it's on a t-shirt.
T-shirts are comfortable, versatile and make great gifts, so even better if they have a book or literary reference printed on them. After all, everything is better with books. As someone who often quotes from literature, I like to wear good quotes from books on my clothes because I'll probably say them at some point anyway. You can never have enough books, and you can never have enough book-related merchandise, right? (Or is it just me?)
Some t-shirts are meaningful to everyone, but if you're a die-hard book lover, you might be looking for t-shirts that are meaningful to other readers. Here are some amazing literary inspired t-shirts that only a literature lover can understand.
1. Annie and the “E” T-shirt
Fans of the book will immediately recognize Anne's signature red hair on this shirt, but as they get closer, they're sure to spot a clue - this awesome t-shirt features the entire text of Anne of Green Gables .
Anne of Green Gables shirt , $34, lithograph
2. Lowood T-shirt
Non-readers may wonder if this is your alma mater. Fans of Jane Eyre , on the other hand, will immediately get in on the joke.
Charlotte Bronte T-shirt, £15, bathroom wall
3. Soma T-shirt
For those who haven't read Brave New World , this t-shirt might make them wonder what Soma is and how they can get some for their next vacation. For all readers, though, this shirt is more likely to elicit laughter.
Brave New World T-shirt, £15, bathroom wall
4. Austin Heroes T-Shirt
Who are these guys? No, they are not Taylor Swift lovers; they are Taylor Swift lovers. They are Jane Austen’s heroes. Because how could you possibly choose just one?
Jane's Men , $25, Brookish on Etsy
5. Library T-shirt
For some, this is just a shirt with a bunch of dates on it, but for readers, this T-shirt will remind you of the most beautiful place of all: the library.
Come Check It Out T-shirt, $29, Modcloth
6. Monologue shirt
Do you doubt that the stars are fire? To doubt whether the sun moves; to doubt the truth is to be a liar; but there is no doubt that I love Hamlet's excellent references. This subtle acknowledgment of Hamlet’s soliloquy is almost the soul of wisdom.
Shuffle Off This Mortal Coil , $12, GeekDownApparel, on Etsy
7. Poetic shirt
Why is a crow like a writing desk? Of course, because Poe wrote on both fronts. Lovers who light up know what the crow is saying: never return.
The Raven T-shirt , $15, LiteratiClub on Etsy
8. Tree of Gondor T-shirt
This is the one t-shirt that will rule them all. No, it doesn't have a ring on it: Show off your love for Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings with this Tree of Gondor top.
Tree of Gondor, $16, YomaWear on Etsy
9. The Best Book Club T-Shirt Ever
This top shows off a great book club. Put it on and discuss all your favorites.
Book Club T-shirt , $20, BottleofSuze of Etsy
Image: Brookish on Etsy
